Union. IX Corps. Corps Badge Presented to Charles Hartel by the Union Veteran Corps. Gold and Silver.
41.2 mm, backed by silk maroon ribbon approximately 70 mm in length. 15.8 grams. Shield-shaped badge depicting a gold anchor and cannon on the front. The back is inscribed PRESENTED / TO / C. HARTEL / BY / THE UNION VETERAN CORPS / WASH. D.C. Charles A. Hartel (b. ca. 1832-33 in Prussia) enlisted in Baltimore as a corporal on June 18, 1861, and was mustered into the field and staff of the Maryland 2nd Infantry serving as a hospital steward. He served for exactly three years, and was mustered out on June 18, 1864. Hartel was already married (to Emily) at the time of his enlistment, and the couple had at least five daughters and a son. Tragically, after arriving in Fort Wayne, Indiana from Washington, D.C. on business, Hartel shot himself in the abdomen with a pistol and died on June 5, 1888, after leaving a bizarre and utterly incoherent message on a postcard. It was believed his rash action may have been temporary insanity following the death of his son Charles at the age of 22. The 2nd Maryland Infantry saw extensive action throughout the war, including encounters at the Second Battle of Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Blue Springs, the siege of Knoxville, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and was present at the surrender at Appomattox Court House. From 1861 to early 1863, the regiment was mostly a part of the Army of the Potomac. From mid-1863 through mid-1864, it was assigned to the Army and Department of Ohio, returning to the Army of the Potomac in April 1864, where it remained until the end of the war in the summer of 1865.